I second everything Gonzo is saying. I'm about 80% through with the story mode, and it's quite good. The combat doesn't get stale. You keep getting weapons and weapon upgrades and combat upgrades that keep it interesting. The graphics and controls are great. I've been a long time Tomb Raider fan since the original one I played on PS1.

The only complaints I have, is that it doesn't have very many puzzles, and the ones it does have are just incredibly easy. The "tombs" in the game are little optional rooms or caves that are just one little puzzle or platforming area where you get a treasure for a skill point. They're very small, very easy, and very few and far between. Another thing I'd like to see is more isolation. There is too much human interaction for my tastes. I'd really love to see less human enemies and more deadly animal enemies, like in the old games. There are some wolves in this game, but that's about it as far as threatening animals. There are some other birds and mammals you can shoot for experience but aren't a threat to you.

That said, this IS the origin story. Lara Croft is not yet the adventurer we all know her as. I am assuming in the sequel, and let's face it, there will be a sequel, that she will start off as an adventurer and set off to get treasure in some ancient tombs or whatever. If they use this formula and apply it to raiding some ancient tombs like in the classic games, IT WILL BE FOCKING AMAZING.

Anyone else here an old school TR fan? With all it's flaws (and there were plenty) I cherish the old games on PS1. It wasn't until PS2 generation that I lost interest in the direction of the series. Glad it's back.